Overview

• Sarah Fendley, owner of Big City Coffee, was awarded $4 million after a jury found Boise State University violated her free speech rights.
• Fendley claimed the university retaliated against her for displaying pro-police 'Thin Blue Line' stickers amid nationwide protests following George Floyd's death.
• The jury awarded $3 million for lost business, reputational damage, and emotional distress, plus $1 million in punitive damages from the former VP of student affairs.
• Boise State officials argued they did not retaliate and maintained they were protecting the First Amendment rights of all parties involved.
• University administrators plan to appeal the verdict, asserting they acted to uphold free speech on campus.